2025 City of Vancouver Award of Excellence Recipient - Entrepreneurial Cornerstone
Canuck Place Light a Life Campaign

Gallery 881 Fundraiser to Support Vancouver’s Only Lens-Based Art Gallery

by Rebecca Bollwitt

As Vancouver’s only independent space devoted entirely to lens-based art, Gallery 881 has become a vital cultural hub in Strathcona and a significant voice in the city’s arts landscape. Their exhibitions draw visitors from across the region, strengthen neighbourhood vitality, and create a welcoming place for meaningful engagement with photography and contemporary art.

The gallery provides free exhibitions, free and low-barrier workshops, community gatherings, youth programming, and artist-led talks in a space intentionally designed to be open and accessible to everyone. Unfortunately, without immediate community support, their ability to sustain free exhibitions and public programming into 2026 is at serious risk.

From Stir: “Arts community struggles to be heard as it grapples with stagnant city funding: Twelve-percent cuts to the 2026 arts budget—while leaving grants at status quo—are the latest frustration for a community that’s repeatedly tried to voice its challenges at Vancouver City Hall.”

I was honoured to have a photograph selected for their Fall for Strathcona Group Exhibition earlier this year, it was such a thrill to not only have my photography recognized but showcased in such a lovely way, in support of the greater community.

Gallery 881 - Fundraiser and Miss604 Photo
My photo on display in March 2025 – thank you Gallery 881!

Gallery 881 Fundraiser

Gallery 881’s commitment has always been to create dialogue, foster connection, and make meaningful cultural experiences available to all. To stabilize operations, they need to raise $25,000 in community support and sponsorship by March 2026. Reaching this goal will allow the gallery to continue their work, support artists, and keep this space accessible to everyone.

They are seeking are seeking donations, investors, and strategic partners to help them meet this urgent need.

Your contribution makes it possible for the gallery to host free entry to exhibitions, provide opportunities for emerging and underrepresented artists, and make art accessible to all. Art has the power to connect, inspire, and spark meaningful dialogue, and your support helps provide a venue and vital third space to celebrate the visual arts.

Become a Member

Join as a member and enjoy exclusive discounts from PrintMaker Studio, Prototype Coffee, Retro Modern Designs, and more, all while helping the gallery celebrate and support the arts.

Gallery 881 is located at 881 E Hastings St, Vancouver. Follow on Instagram for updates.

Read more Arts content on Miss604 »

Follow Miss604 on:

Vancouver Holiday Guide

Follow Miss604Holidays this season for the latest arts and culture activities, attractions, and events »

Advertisement
Current Contests on Miss604
View a complete list of contests

More Recent Posts